Breastfeeding Tips & Breast Pump Guide | Lactation Connection

  Every mom wants to get the most out of the time she spending pumping!  One of the best ways to make sure your pump is effective is to ensure your breast shield flange size is optimal.  An optimal fit engages the milk sinuses by compressing the areola the right way without causing nipple pain. The infographic above shows you what to look for when you are pumping.  Most pumps including the best-selling Spectra breast pumps, include a standard flange size which is often 24mm.  Many moms find that is too large and opt for the 20mm breast flange .  And there are a few who need a larger 28mm or 32mm flange size .  But there are moms who until now had to look for another option if they needed smaller than a 20mm size.  Spectra has finally come out with a Spectra 16mm breast shield just for those moms! In addition to using the right size flange, making sure your pump is functioning at the optimal suction level is so important.  Use your pump at t...

How do you know when you need a different breast flange size? Spectra breast pumps include the most commonly fitted flange size, 24mm breastshields . Although this is the most common size, many women will fit better in other sizes. A properly sized breast shield aka breast flange is important to ensure the best performance of your pump and the most milk output. An improperly fitted breast shield can hinder milk supply and cause discomfort. To determine the shield size you need, pump for five minutes using the standard size provided with your breast pump. Your nipple will expand while milk is being expressed, therefore it is important to measure after five minutes of pumping so that the size you select will provide adequate room. After five minutes, measure the diameter of the nipples at the base with a tape measure that uses millimeters. Click the link to access a printable tape measure . Ideally, you should select a shield size that is 2-3mm larger than this measurement, but up to...